Other world chimera [Naruto fanfic]

132. Musings of an old man

The day was calm as white fluffy clouds drifted lazily through the sky, uncaring for the problems of men. Hiruzen sometimes wished to be one of them free of responsibility and worry. Unfortunately for him, he had a duty to uphold, one that grew heavier and harder by the day. 

Danzo had suddenly disappeared without a trace, making Hiruzen worry for his friend. In an attempt to get answers he sent his men to investigate. The result was less than desirable. Clues of underhanded methods and orders had been found in his house. Nothing too damning but Hiruzen wanted answers.  

The more he investigated the worse his mood got as more and more proof of Danzo’s misdeeds appeared. However, the man was nowhere to be found. A month had gone by and the old kage couldn’t make heads or tails of what was going on. He had some ideas of course but the data collected so far was insufficient. 

To make matters even more stressful for himself was the rather worrying reports from Yamato. Tomoka Fushi’s personality had suddenly suffered a drastic change, like that suffered by people with depression and/or PTSD. Thankfully she seemed to have recovered by herself without needing to involve a Yamanaka counselor.

What truly worried Hiruzen was the possibility of a connection between these two seemingly separate events. Could Danzo have tried something against the Fushi girl? Could the girl be the reason for his disappearance? It sounded ridiculous but Hiruzen couldn’t completely disregard the possibility. 

In the end all of these internal problems were just some of the things causing him stress. The relationship between the ninja villages was growing tense and it made him fear that a fourth shinobi war would be on the horizon. To make matters worse the daimyo seemed displeased with Konoha’s recent actions for one reason or another. Hiruzen felt like he was protecting a house of cards from a raging wind.   

Taking a poof from his pipe he tried to calm his mind. 

‘I need to find a successor soon. I am too old to guide this village for much longer.’ 

Thinking about a successor a wave of melancholy hit the old kage. Minato had been such a great choice, he had so much potential and his head had been in the right place. Unfortunately he had been taken from the world too soon. 

Taking his crystal ball, Hiruzen decided to observe Minato’s son, Naruto Uzumaki. Seeing the kid a small smile appeared on the old man's face, one that was soon wiped away by feelings of guilt.

‘I’m sorry Minato, Kushina, I have failed you two once more. Your son is seen by most of the village as a monster, a demon.’

Thinking this Hiruzen couldn’t help but let a sigh escape his lips. A while later a sad smile appeared as he continued to watch as the blond kid played alongside his classmates. 

‘At least he has made good friends.’ 

Thinking about the kid’s friends Hiruzen was reminded once again about Tomoka. She had displayed amazing potential be it in Ninjutsu, taijutsu or bukijutsu. However, he felt like she was hiding something. It made Hiruzen worry and that feeling had driven him to keep a close watch on the girl. In the end he couldn’t find anything strange about her… stranger, as the girl is strange as is.   

Finishing his little smoke break Hiruzen got ready to once again fight against his nemesis, his worst enemy, the bane of his existence… paperwork. 

‘I am really to old for this’